Reebok Revoke Goalie Pads

This review of Reebok Revoke Goalie Pads was contributed by Goaltender Mark Russo.

In recent years Reebok (formerly known as “RBK”) has successfully entered the goaltending equipment category, offering varying price points, protection, and styles to fit every  level of goaltender.  Part of the company’s success has come from tremendous visibility in the professional ranks, with NHL stars like Roberto Luongo, Marty Turco, Ryan Miller, and Marc Andre Fleury wearing and promoting the Reebok brand.

Introducing new styles with advancements in protection and stylish graphics is part of staying successful in the goalie pad market, and in 2009, Reebok introduced the Revoke line of equipment.  Currently worn by NHL goalies such as Jonas Gustavsson, Ty Conklin, Fleury, and Turco, the Revoke line gives players a chance to customize their pads to meet their needs at every price point, while also offering color customization options previously offered only to the pros.   The Revoke is available in Pro, 9000, and 7000 models to provide an affordable option for varying levels of play.

PRODUCT DIFFERENCES

It is important to understand the basic difference between Reebok’s two main pad offerings: the Premier III and the Revoke.  In the most simple terms, the Revoke plays closer to the leg and moves more like an oversized shin pad.

This style is best for the hybrid goalie who may not play the traditional butterfly style all the time.  Ever see Marty Turco making acrobatic, diving saves?

The Revoke pad will benefit that type of mobile and athletic goalie the most because it is flexible enough to move with the body, but protective enough to enable goalies to play from their knees and still cover the five-hole.  Alternatively, the Premier III is the butterfly specialist’s type of pad – a stiffer and less flexible pad that provides maximum blocking area from the butterfly and plays tight to the ice.

Think of J.S. Giguere or Roberto Luongo sliding side-to-side in a perfectly technical butterfly style.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, as Fleury and Gustavsson, both predominantly butterfly goalies, currently use the Revoke pad.

PROTECTION

Making the switch, as I did, from the RBK 6K (an entry level pad) to the Revoke 9000, is a significant jump in protection.  It is apparent just by taking the pads out of the box that the Revoke line is much firmer and more protective than the 6K.   The pads feature a wing wrap calf protector to enable goalies’ legs to stay comfortably in the leg channel while providing extra protection from errant skate blades or sticks.  In addition, the calf protection in general is more solid and much more durable than an entry level pad.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade compared to entry level pads is the knee protection.  While the knee stacks are similar to the 6K design, the construction is better (as it should be for the difference in price, more on that later) and provides a snugger feel around the knee while still allowing an easy transition from the stand-up position into the butterfly.  There is also less pad “slop” in the Revoke, as the pad just seems to react and move with the body.

In terms of knee and thigh protection, out go the old thigh boards (remembering too that these are NHL legal pads and thigh boards are not legal in the NHL) and into the mix come the adjustable knee and thigh pads.   For a goalie who previously used pads with thigh boards, these knee protectors are a revelation.  They enable players to confidently make plays without worrying about banging a knee on the ice or catching a puck above the pad and below the pants.  It should be noted that goalies using these type of knee/thigh protectors for the first time will be well served to practice with the new pads first to get a feel for them and make necessary adjustments.  First time users may feel bulkiness around the knee and general reduction in mobility, and will need to take time to become accustomed to the feel.

STRAPS & BREAKS

The Revoke, much like the Premier III, offers straps that are movable, allowing each goalie to make adjustments to suit his or her game.  A good practice is to first lace up the skates, put on the pads, and play around with the strap positions to find what works and what doesn’t.   The Revoke pads also offer differing flex points in the upper thigh of the pad, an option that is becoming increasingly favored because it enables better five-hole coverage for goalies who may not have Fleury’s or Luongo’s flexibility.   This double break, or “Turco Break”, definitely does its job  helping less flexible goalies close the pads on the way down and providing more mobility for moving around in the crease.

The Revoke Pro, the top line offering and the most customizable of the Revoke line, offers the option of a straight or traditional angle pad with three flex options (no break, single break, or double break) for goalies who want the Revoke graphics and features but prefer the more butterfly-traditional pads.  However, the other offerings (9000 and 7000) come standard with the double, or “Turco Break”.

THE FUN STUFF

All goalies need their pads to fit well and be protective.  The fun part of choosing a new pad is finding the right colors and design.  The Revoke pad gives players more options than ever when it comes to pad graphics.  Players making the investment in the Revoke Pro can use the “Revoke Pro Zone Customizer” on www.reebokhockey.com to make their own pad, glove, and blocker design in virtually any color.  Reebok also offers many stock options in colors for the 9000 and 7000 pad, which should enable most players to find a good match for their budget.  The Revoke pad can come in as many as three colors, or can be purchased in a traditional one color pad (such as all white) – the choice is up to the buyer.

ECONOMICS

The final decision for goalies in the market for new pads often comes down to budget.  As mentioned earlier, the Revoke pad offers three price points, ranging from $399.99 for the 7000 to $1,449.99 for the custom Pro (at totalhockey.com).   Aside from the dollars and cents, goalies should make their decision based on level of play and frequency of use; players who use their pads quite a bit and play at a fairly competitive level would be well served investing in at least the 9000 pad.

A recreational player who plays sporadically will get the most bang for the buck in the 7000 – a good, protective pad that will get the job done and not cost a fortune.  Keep in mind that a closer look at the Pro pad versus the 7000 will show that the smaller areas of the pad (around the boot channel and the leg/calf wraps) will be made of lower quality materials.  This may not have an impact on protection, but it will influence how well the pad will hold up to wear and tear.

In my case, playing 2-3 times per week eliminated the 7000 pad as an option, as it is the same level as my old RBK 6K pad and I didn’t feel it would last over the long haul.  However, the price of the Pro was a bit much to swallow for a competitive (but still recreational) player, so

the 9000 (at $649.99 at totalhockey.com) was the perfect option and has exceeded expectations.

THE VERDICT

The Reebok Revoke goalie pad is a winner because it offers excellent protection at all price points, while also offering numerous custom options to suit every style.  Most importantly, it gives the everyday player an opportunity to choose a pad that fits their level of play and their budget, while still looking like a pro.